Post-Perry Corruption OP-ED in Austin Statesman

Austin American-Statesman

By Craig McDonald and Andrew Wheat

Cronyism and entitlement flourish when one political party controls every statewide office for 20 years. Indicted former Gov. Rick Perry created the ultimate crony-corrupt state. He rewarded political supporters with appointments, no-bid contracts and huge handouts from the public purse. The few people who stood up to this corruption notably don’t include Texas’ new leaders. 

Read the full op-ed.

Statement re: Judge's Refusal to Dismiss Perry Charges

"Rick Perry, his high-priced legal team and out-of-state pundits have long argued that Perry's indictments are so flimsy that they will not stand up in court. Today a top GOP judge again refused to dismiss the case. The prosecutor and a grand jury have said there's compelling evidence against Perry. That evidence should be presented in court for all to see.  The chances of that happening improved today," said TPJ director Craig McDonald. 

Texans for Public Justice filed a criminal complaint against Perry in June of last year. That complaint led to Perry's indictment by a Texas grand jury on two counts related to his abuse of office.

Lobby Watch: TLR Mum on 21CT 'SLAPP' Suit

Contractor 21CT, Inc. slapped lobbyist James Frinzi with a libel suit after he blew the whistle on Jack Stick.  Is this lawsuit abuse?  Texans for Lawsuit Reform is silent on the subject.  Is it because they bankrolled the political career of Jack Stick? 

Lobby Watch follows Stick's big donors.

Patrick's New Shadow Government Gave Him $2 Million

Patrick Gives Govt to Tycoons

Most of the business executives that Lt. Governor-elect Dan Patrick appointed to serve on his citizen advisory boards have bankrolled his campaigns. Out of the 56 appointees, 43 (77 percent) contributed a total of $1,975,056 to Patrick's campaign from September 2005 to the eve of the 2014 election. 

See the list of appointee contributions.

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Click over to our SUPPORT TPJ PAGE to make your contribution.

Thank you.

Judge Rules Against Governor Perry

Perry (right) lost his first court battle.

Statement of Craig McDonald on Judge Richardson’s ruling against Gov. Perry’s motion to disqualify the special prosecutor.

 

“We applaud the judge's ruling.  Perry's legal strategy of bluster and bombast didn't work.

Let’s get to a trial in open court so everyone can see the evidence the grand jury saw. It’s time to stop the efforts  to keep the evidence secret. ”

Perry's First Court Appearance on November 6

Gov. Rick Perry will appear in Travis County District Court on November 6th for the first hearing in his 'abuse of power' criminal indictment. Perry’s defense team is trying to have the felony indictments dismissed claiming that Special Prosecutor Michael McCrum was improperly sworn in. Visiting Judge Bert Richardson, who says he properly swore in McCrum, will preside at the hearing.

Statesman Challenges Abbott Position on Hecht Ethic's Fine

In his response to the lawsuit filed by TPJ urging the Travis County District Court to take action to compel Attorney General Abbott to pursue the $29,000 Ethic's fine levied against Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht, Abbott claims it's not his legal responsibility to pursue the case. Today's article by Chuck Lindell exposes Abbott's response for the BS it is.

Read today's American-Statesman article by Chuck Lindell.

Read TPJ's press release on it's October 15 lawsuit.

Abbott Clobbers Davis in Race for Payday Lender Money

Predatory-lending interests have given $402,959 to Gregg Abbott and $10,500 to Wendy Davis since 2009. According to the most recent disclosure reports, payday interests have given Abbott $130,222 in 2014 while making no contributions to Davis.

Read TPJ's full analysis of predatory-lender contributions.

$2.6 Million in Contributions Leads to F1 'Oral' Application for $250 Million Taxpayer Handout

An alleged "oral application" secured extraordinary pledges of $250 million in state funds for Austin's Formula 1 franchise. Yet nobody will identify the mysterious Deep-Throat parties to that oral application--or say when it supposedly occurred.

Following the skid marks, Lobby Watch identifies $2.6 million in F1-related political contributions. Major F1 beneficiaries include  Governor Rick Perry,  Greg Abbott and Comptroller Susan Combs.

Read the racy F1 Lobby Watch.